Packaging Advice

The risk of en-route damage during transportation is a fact of life, no matter how well a product has been built. Adequate packaging is the answer to protect your goods against the rigours of shipping. You don't need expert hands to package your goods properly.

If the item is not correctly packaged the driver may refuse to collect and if the contents are not protected adequately any claim will be invalidated if damage occurs in transit.

Below are some tips to keep in mind...

For this example we have used an 'In Car Entertainment CD unit' without the original manufacturers packaging

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Wrap each item carefully in bubble wrap. All shipments are unavoidably subject to shocks during transportation. Wrapping them separately will ensure the items do not cause damage to each other.

Using the right box. We recommend you use corrugated boxes in good condition. You can identify the strength of the box by reviewing the box makers certificate (BMC), which can be found on the base of most shipping boxes.

Fill the base of the box with cushioning materials. Cushioning your shipment on all sides helps to make sure it arrives in good shape. The contents should never come into contact with the outer packaging.

Create a double wall at the bottom of the box. Insert a double corrugated card on top of the loose fill to create a double wall at the bottom of the box.

Add further cushioning. Then add more loose fill on top of the card in preparation for the item.

Insert a double wall divider. This will prevent the contents coming into contact with the outer packaging on the sides of the box.

Surround the wrapped object with cushioning. This will prevent the item from moving during transportation. The cushioning should be able to absorb shock and vibrations.

Insert a card to create another double wall on top. Place a firm card on top of the cushioning material to make sure everything stays in place. Allow some room to place extra cushioning on top.

Extra protection on top. Protect the upper side of your package by filling up the remaining space with more cushioning material.

Close the package carefully. Make sure the box is closed carefully, so no cushioning material can get out. Using a good quality, rigid box with intact flaps is advisable.

Close the box securely with strong tape. Seal your package with pressure-sensitive plastic tape or water-activated paper tape, preferably around 50mm in width.

Finishing touch. Do not use strings or cords: they can get tangled up in automated sorting equipment. Place your address and shipping labels on the top surface of the box, avoid putting them on seams, closures or on the sealing tape.